Slow running computers are a common problem. There can be many reasons for this, but often it is merely because there is too much junk on the hard drive and not enough space for the computer to run properly. Deleting some files and uninstalling unnecessary programs can help speed up a slow-running computer, but often this is not enough.
If you are still having trouble with a slow-running computer, you can do a few things to speed it up.
Defragment your hard drive regularly: Over time, files can become fragmented and spread out across the hard drive, making the computer run slower. Defragmenting the hard drive will help consolidate these files and make the computer run faster.
Delete temporary files and clear the cache: Temporary files are created when you use your computer or browser, and they take up a lot of space. Clearing the cache will help you clean your browser, speed it up, and protect your private information. To delete temporary files in Windows, open the Start menu and type "%temp%" in the search field. This will open the Temp folder, which you can then delete the files.
Uninstall unnecessary programs: Remove programs you no longer use that take up valuable space on your hard drive and slow down your computer. To uninstall a program in Windows, open the Control Panel and select "Add or Remove Programs."
Disable startup programs: When you start your computer, some programs automatically startup as well. These can include anti-virus programs, instant messaging clients and more. While these programs are important, they can also slow down your computer. To disable startup programs in Windows, open the Start menu and type "MSConfig" in the search field. This will open the System Configuration Utility. Click on the "Startup" tab and deselect the programs that you don't want to start up automatically.
Update your operating system and programs: Out-of-date software can often cause slow performance. Ensure that you have the latest updates for your operating system and programs. You can usually do this through the program's website or the built-in update feature.
Use a lighter weight browser: Browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are faster and use less memory than Internet Explorer. This can make a big difference in the speed of your computer, especially if you have a lot of tabs open.
Add more RAM : If your computer is running slowly and you've tried all of the other tips on this list, you may need to add more RAM. This will help the computer run more smoothly and make a big difference in speed.
Clean up your hard drive: Over time, your hard drive can become cluttered with files that you don't need. This can slow down your computer and make finding the files you need challenging. You can use a program like CCleaner to clean up your hard drive and speed up your computer.
Restore your computer: If you've made many changes to your computer and it's still running slowly, you may need to restore it to its factory settings. This will delete all of the programs and files on your computer, so be sure to back up any important data first.
Get a new computer: If your computer is more than a few years old, it may be time for an upgrade. A new computer will be faster and have more storage space than an older one, and it will be able to run the latest software.
Check for malware: Malware can slow down your computer and make it difficult to use. Run a malware scan using your anti-virus program to see if there is anything on your computer that should not be there.
Use a faster internet connection: If you're still having trouble with a slow computer, your internet connection may be to blame. If you're using a dial-up link, upgrading to broadband will make a big difference in the speed of your computer.
These are just a few tips to help you speed up a slow-running computer. If you're still having trouble, you may need to consult a computer technician.
About the author:
Jason Boot is a Toronto-born author who has a passion for all things cyber. From testing the newest apps to spending a whole work week suspended in virtual reality, there’s nothing Jason won’t do in the name of technology. He has contributed articles and essays for the cybersecurity industry for the past two years and has had a great time doing it.
